The Leafs have been struggling in recent games — and for about as long as many fans can remember — though they’re still 21-16-3 for the season (wins, losses and overtime games) and within reach of the playoffs. After losing seven of their last ten games, it seems management had enough and Carlyle is on his way out. Assistant coaches Peter Horachek and Steve Spott will handle the day-to-day.

Many fans welcomed Carlyle’s departure as a necessary shakeup, some more politely than others.